Refillable Vertical Foregrip Spray Device with Universal Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for spraying non-lethal liquids, such as pepper spray, rely on aerosol canisters, which limit user flexibility, require extensive training, and are not ergonomic or versatile, restricting their effectiveness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A refillable vertical foregrip spray device with a micro push button release valve and ergonomic sliding safety actuator, allowing users to select and fill the device with various contents, function mounted or unmounted, and providing easy operation and training without the need for aerosol canisters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aerosol canisters are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the user flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a reusable body housing the valve mechanism and a removable aerosol canister. This segmentation allows the canister to be easily replaced with different types (pepper spray, medical oxygen, etc.) while keeping the main body, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body and actuator mechanism are designed as universal components that can work with multiple types of aerosol canisters. The push-button actuator and safety interlock system provide multi-functional operation (safety engagement, valve control, canister retention) across different canister types, enhancing versatility while maintaining reasonable complexity.
2Ease of operation
If aerosol canisters are used, then the device structure is simple, but extensive training is required for proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automatic safety interlock mechanisms that engage when the canister is properly installed and require specific actions (pressing the button while moving the safety) to activate. This self-service design guides the user through proper operation automatically, reducing the need for extensive training while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety actuator is pre-positioned in a blocked state that must be moved before the button can be pressed. This preliminary action (moving the safety) is built into the mechanism to prevent accidental discharge and ensure proper user intent, making the operation sequence intuitive and reducing training requirements.
3Ease of operation
If aerosol canisters are used, then the device is compact, but ergonomics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The safety actuator is designed as a movable component that slides or pivots to engage and disengage the valve mechanism. This dynamic element allows the safety to be positioned ergonomically away from the trigger button while still providing effective control, improving ergonomics without significantly increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety mechanism operates in a different spatial dimension or plane than the trigger button, allowing both controls to be accessible and ergonomic. The safety may slide along the canister body or pivot on an axis perpendicular to the button press direction, enabling comfortable hand positioning while maintaining a compact overall form factor.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed for weapon mounting, then it provides tactical advantage, but it cannot function effectively when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a universal quick-release mounting interface (such as Picatinny rail or similar standardized attachment system) that allows the device to be mounted on weapons when needed while maintaining full functionality when removed. The mounting mechanism is designed to be independent of the operational mechanism, so the device works equally well in both mounted and handheld configurations without adding excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refillable vertical foregrip spray device. The device has a weapon mounting interface (M LOK, Keymod, Picatinny) integral to the valve block. The hollow cylindrical portion contains the pressurized liquid or gaseous contents of the operator's choice. The valve block houses a push button release valve with a sliding safety mechanism and a charge valve for pressurizing the device. The weapon mounting interface is integral to the valve block. The device does not require the use of disposable aerosol containers. When not weapon mounted the device can also be freely carried and the user can effectively dispense liquid or gaseous contents of their choice.